In a quiet, tastefully furnished residence in Enugu, the air carried a mix of calm and conviction as Dr. Clinton Above Ishiwu received The Concourse Media for an exclusive sit-down. Known for his philanthropy, political engagement, and deep investment in youth development through scholarships and bursaries, Dr. Ishiwu spoke with clarity, passion, and unmistakable belief in the future of Enugu State.
What followed was not just an interview—but a window into the mind of a man who sees politics not as a game of power, but as a tool for collective progress.
Excerpts:
The Concourse: Dr. Ishiwu, thank you for receiving us. Let’s begin with your general impression of governance in Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah.
Dr. Clinton Above Ishiwu:
Thank you for coming. Let me say this from the outset; what we are witnessing in Enugu State today is not business as usual. His Excellency, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represents a new wave of leadership that is deeply rooted in pragmatism and vision.
Governance, in my view, should be about impact… real, tangible impact on the lives of the people. And that is exactly what Governor Mbah is delivering. From infrastructure to education, from economic reforms to institutional restructuring, there is a deliberate and strategic approach to development. It is not cosmetic; it is foundational.
The Concourse: You sound quite convinced about his leadership style. What exactly stands out for you?
Dr. Ishiwu:
It’s his clarity of purpose. Many leaders come with promises, but few come with a roadmap, and even fewer follow through with discipline. Governor Mbah understands that governance is not about rhetoric; it is about execution.
Take his approach to policy implementation, there is a sense of urgency, but also precision. He is not just reacting to problems; he is anticipating them. That is what makes his administration exceptional.
And beyond that, there is a human element. You can tell that he genuinely wants to uplift the standard of living for the average citizen. That sincerity reflects in his policies.
Dr. Ishiwu stepping into his living room for the interview
The Concourse: You are also a key stakeholder in the Progressives Movement for Peter Mbah (PM4PM). Tell us more about this movement.
Dr. Ishiwu:
Yes, I am deeply involved in the PM4PM, and of course I make no apologies for that. This is not just a political coalition, it is a movement driven by belief, by results, and by a shared vision for continuity.
PM4PM is what I would call the “new bride” in Enugu politics. It has captured the imagination of the people because it aligns with what they are already experiencing, good governance. People don’t need to be convinced; they can see the difference.
Our mission is simple: to consolidate progress. To ensure that the gains already recorded are not disrupted but expanded.
The Concourse: What role do grassroots structures play in this movement?
Dr. Ishiwu:
A very critical role. In fact, the strength of PM4PM lies in its grassroots appeal. We are not building from the top down, we are building from the wards upward.
Every ward, every Community, every Local Government is a vital part of this movement. That is why I have been urging all chapters… Ward and Local Government, to intensify membership drives. This is a people-driven initiative, and the people must own it.
The Concourse: You recently made a bold financial commitment tied to membership mobilization. Can you shed more light on that?
Dr. Ishiwu:
(Laughs softly) Yes, I did. And I meant every word.
Following the successful State and Senatorial Zonal inaugurations of PM4PM, we are now moving into the next phase, which is the launching of the movement across all 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State.
Now, here is where the challenge comes in: Any local Government within Enugu North Senatorial Zone that mobilises and registers 4000 members receives N4,000,000 (four million Naira) from my personal resources, as a support for its upcoming Ward Inauguration
The Concourse: That’s quite a significant pledge. What inspired this move?
Dr. Ishiwu:
(cuts in) It is simple, I believe in rewarding commitment. I believe in encouraging participation. And most importantly, I believe in the cause.
This is not about money; it is about momentum. The ₦4 million is just a token, a catalyst. What truly matters is the energy and the common determination to sustain good governance.
When people come together in large numbers for a cause they believe in, it sends a powerful message, that governance is working, and they want more of it.
The Concourse: Beyond politics, you are known for your philanthropy, especially in education. How does that connect with your political engagement?
Dr. Ishiwu:
For me, it is all connected. Whether it is through scholarships, bursaries, or political advocacy, the goal remains the same; impacting lives.
I have always believed that true leadership is measured by how many people you lift. That is why I have invested heavily in supporting students. Like Gov. Mbah will always say: “Education is the foundation of any progressive society.”
And when you see a government that also prioritizes human capital development, it naturally aligns with your values. That is part of why I am so passionate about supporting this administration.
The Concourse: Some critics might say movements like PM4PM are politically motivated. How would you respond?
Dr. Ishiwu:
Of course, it is political, we are not denying that. But the question is: what kind of politics?
If politics is about advocating for continuity in good governance, then yes, we are proudly political. If it is about mobilizing people to support a system that is working, then we accept that label.
But this is not blind loyalty. It is informed support. It is based on evidence, on performance, and on a clear vision for the future.
The Concourse: Finally, what is your message to the people of Enugu State?
Dr. Ishiwu:
My message is this: stay engaged, stay informed, and stay hopeful.
We are at a defining moment in our State’s history. The foundations are being laid for something truly transformative. But it requires collective effort to sustain it.
I encourage everyone, young and old, men and women, artisans and professionals, to be part of this journey. Join the movement, participate actively, and contribute your voice.
Because at the end of the day, governance is not about one man, it is about all of us.
The Concourse: Doc, we must say, you have some air of certainty around what you believe in, and you are an ardent supporter of Mbah’s administration. Thank you so much for your time and happy weekend.
Dr. Ishiwu:
You’re welcome, anytime!
As the interview drew to a close, one thing was clear: Dr. Clinton Above Ishiwu is not merely a supporter; he is a believer. In his words, in his commitments, and in his vision, there is a consistent theme: that politics, when done right, can be a powerful force for good.
And in Enugu State, that belief is fast becoming a movement.
© The Concourse Media, March 2026
